Is the Beartooth Highway paved?
Usa, north-america
107 km
3,342 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! The Beartooth Highway (U.S. 212) is calling your name! This incredible stretch of asphalt straddles the Montana/Wyoming border, carving its way through the stunning Beartooth Mountains. Think seriously epic views of the Absaroka and Beartooth ranges as you climb to a whopping 10,964 feet—that's some serious altitude!
This fully paved road is a photographer's dream, winding 67 glorious miles from Red Lodge, Montana, all the way to Cooke City, Montana, right near Yellowstone's northeast entrance. Budget about 3-4 hours of pure driving time, but honestly, give yourself half a day to soak it all in. You'll want to stop...a lot!
Expect hairpin turns and steep switchbacks as you conquer this beast, but trust me, the views are worth every single twist and turn. Officially opened in 1936, this "most beautiful drive in America," delivers a crazy-cool transition from lush forests to stark alpine tundra in a matter of minutes. Expect to be blown away by shimmering glacial lakes, thundering waterfalls, and maybe even some wildlife sightings.
Keep in mind, the Beartooth is typically open from mid-May to mid-October, weather permitting. And speaking of weather, be prepared for anything! Snowstorms in summer? Yep. Strong winds? You bet. Thunderstorms? Could happen. Basically, pack for all seasons!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 107 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,342 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateHow is the drive from Skalkaho Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, let's talk about tackling Mount Emerine in Montana's Granite County! This peak hits a cool 8,631 feet within the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, and trust me, the drive up is a wild mix of challenge and seriously stunning scenery in the Sapphire Mountains. We're talking a proper mountain track here – gravel, loose rocks, the works. Forget your sedan; a 4x4 is an absolute MUST. And be warned: this route is seasonal. Winter? Forget about it! You'll be knee-deep in snow. The climb kicks off from Skalkaho Road and stretches for about 10.4 miles. Don't let the 5.79% average gradient fool you; this road throws curveballs, literally! We're talking 30 hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. It gets steep, a little "tippy" in spots, so if heights aren't your thing, maybe sit this one out. But it's not just about the drive. The summit has some cool history! Back in the day, it was a fire lookout point. They had a log cabin in the 20s, replaced by towers later on. The last tower's gone, but the foundation is still there, a reminder of those forest rangers keeping watch. Heads up: you're in the middle of the Deerlodge National Forest, so come prepared! No services up there, zero. High clearance on your vehicle and low-range gears are your best friends on those rocks. And always check road conditions before you go; rain or late snow can cause washouts. Get ready for an epic ride!
moderateRoad trip guide: Conquering the Stillwater Reservoir
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, wanderlusters, let's talk Stillwater Reservoir in Colorado! Nestled high in northeast Garfield County at a cool 10,311 feet, this alpine lake is a stunner. You'll find it southwest of Yampa, smack-dab in the Flat Tops within the Routt National Forest. The road in, Forest Road 900, is an unpaved adventure that's about 16.4 miles long, starting from Yampa. Keep in mind this baby is usually closed from November to June – winter hangs on tight up here! In dry conditions, most vehicles can handle the washboard surface, but a 4WD is your best friend during the shoulder seasons. Stillwater Reservoir is the last of three lakes along this route and offers incredible fishing, hiking, and camping opportunities. Plus, there's a decent-sized parking lot at the end of the road. Get ready for some serious scenery!
extremeWhere is Saratoga Spring Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits! Saratoga Spring Road in California's Death Valley National Park is a wild ride through some seriously stunning desert landscapes. This 14.8-mile dirt road is generally manageable in dry weather for most vehicles with decent clearance, but don't underestimate it! After rainfall, it can get pretty gnarly, requiring a high-clearance vehicle to navigate. If Saratoga Spring is flowing, forget about it—the road becomes totally impassable. Always check Death Valley's official website for the latest conditions before you head out. But trust me, with its unique desert scenery and the challenge it presents, this road is an unforgettable experience for the adventurous traveler!
extremeWhy Street Road is the Nation's Deadliest
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along a stretch of road in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, right in Bucks County. This isn't just any road; it's Knights Road meeting Street Road, and let me tell you, it's got a rep. We're talking about a one-mile section that's seen a whopping 144 crashes in just two years, leaving 170 people seriously injured or worse. Yikes! So, what's the deal? Well, Street Road is trying to be everything at once: a speedy main route and a local access street. Think poor lighting, aggressive drivers merging lanes like they're in a race, and tons of pedestrians trying to dodge traffic on wide, fast-moving roads. Basically, it's a recipe for disaster, and a prime example of how things can go wrong when roads try to do too much.